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Our therapists offer help for video game addiction in Littleton, CO

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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting video game addiction counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado | BCBS, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado Medicare Advantage, +19 more
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I take a lively, compassionate approach to therapy. I am enthusiastic about people's individuality and accountability to grow.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +21 more
Domestic Abuse, Narcissism, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +16 more

As a mother, wife, mental health-care provider, and university professor, I understand the unique difficulties of balancing self-care and anxiety and ... As a mother, wife, mental health-care provider, and university professor, I understand the unique difficulties of balancing self-care and anxiety and the fine line of work/life balance. Read more

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Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado | BCBS, Carelon, +18 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, +10 more

Life can be incredibly challenging, and finding the right therapist to connect with can be another challenge. I believe the most important factor in t... Life can be incredibly challenging, and finding the right therapist to connect with can be another challenge. I believe the most important factor in therapy is the therapeutic relationship. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +19 more
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +7 more

As a woman, married with two children to a spouse who is a firefighter, I relate to the struggles, stress, patterns, and problems that life presents.

Starting Video game addiction counseling

What is Video game addiction counseling?

Thriveworks video game addiction counseling in Littleton, CO helps people who have an obsession with playing video games as well as with the more severe internet gaming disorder. People may have mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder if they struggle to control how often or how long they game. The symptoms of internet gaming disorder may include deceiving loved ones about when and how often they play, thinking constantly about gaming, and using video games as a distraction from real-world problems.

How does Video game addiction counseling work?

Thriveworks video game addiction counseling in Littleton helps those who suffer by assisting them in regaining control over video gaming. In addition, it can help them cope with the negative effects of video game addiction counseling from anxiety to depression, insomnia, and more.

Is Video game addiction counseling conducted in person or online?

Video game addiction counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and through Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does Video game addiction counseling last?

The length of video game addiction counseling depends on the individual's needs as well as the extent and severity of their problem and those that might stem from it. That said, people can make meaningful progress in the first weeks to months of therapy.

Need more help deciding?

Theo has been gaming since college. He and his friends had a great set-up in their apartment where they played all the time. After they graduated and moved for jobs, everyone but Theo gave up gaming. Theo still plays all night several times a week. Instead of napping between classes like he did in college, Theo has to be at work all day. His work performance is suffering. Several coworkers who were hired at the same time have already been promoted ahead of him. Theo has tried to cut back, but within a few weeks, he back to playing almost around the clock. Theo is wondering if he needs more help. He is wondering if he has a video game addiction.

Many people are talking about video game addictions because many people are struggling with compulsive gaming. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) labels these behaviors internet gaming disorder and calls for more study on whether they fit the formal definition of addiction.

Whether video games are addictive or not, it is clear that a lot of people experience difficulty controlling their impulses when it comes to gaming. Many people are also seeking help from interventions traditionally associated with addiction. In particular, 12-step programs have been formed for video game users, and mental health practices are accepting clients who struggle with gaming.

The therapists at Thriveworks Littleton understand how video games can take control of a person’s life. They also understand what it takes to regain control and healthy gaming habits.

Recognizing Internet Gaming Disorder

Video game addiction or internet gaming disorder occurs when people cannot control when, where, how, and how long they game. It can occur in men, women, boys, and girls, but men and boys experience it at greater rates. Potentially, 10 percent of all gamers ages 8-18 have difficulty regulating their video game play.

According to the DSM-5, internet gaming disorder can be severe, moderate, or mild. The amount of symptoms people display determines the severity modifier for the disorder. Such symptoms include:

  • Tolerance: gaming for more time to feel the same level of satisfaction.
  • Obsession: thinking about gaming all the time, whether one is playing or not.
  • Distraction: playing video games to relieve uncomfortable emotions such as boredom, guilt, shame, loneliness, sadness, fear, or anxiety.
  • Avoidance: gaming instead of working through a life challenge or problem.
  • Withdrawal: feeling depression, irritable, moody, or restless when not playing or trying to stop.
  • Misplaced Priorities: giving more time and attention to gaming than one’s personal or professional relationships.
  • Deceit: Being dishonest about one’s gaming habits.

Because internet gaming disorder also affects children and teens, parents should look for these additional signs:

  • Falling asleep at school—general lethargy and drowsiness.
  • Not doing homework.
  • Dropping grades.
  • Losing interest in activities, sports, and friends.
  • Gaming alone.

How Does Internet Gaming Disorder Start?

The various factors that can lead to compulsive video game use are still being studied, but one theory suggests that the narratives of many games is a significant contributor. Mobile games, massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG), and social networking games frequently utilize core loops or compulsion loops.

These loops establish a system wherein the reward from one challenge naturally ties into the next level of challenge. There is no natural break in the narrative where players can stop, and with every reward, dopamine is released, solidifying the brain’s connection between the game and pleasure.

For example, players have to slay monsters in the game, Monster Hunter. After each successful battle (challenge), players receive the defeated monster’s powers (reward) that will help them defeat the next monster (loops into the next challenge). Meanwhile, players are also receiving dopamine release with every victory.

Counseling for Compulsive Gaming at Thriveworks Littleton

Online gaming disorder, when left unaddressed, can cause major challenges in people’s lives, including emotional, relational, and physical problems:

  • Emotional: When emotional problems such as anxiety or depression are soothed with video games but never healed, they often grow worse.
  • Relational: Deceit, irresponsible spending, and excessive time spend on video games can drive friends and family away.
  • Physical: Sleep disturbances, severe headaches, dry eyes, back pain, poor hygiene, and Carpel Tunnel Syndrome are often experienced by people who struggle with compulsive gaming.

Many people are regaining control over the video game use and avoiding these challenges through counseling.

If you are ready to meet with a mental health professional, Thriveworks Littleton has appointments available for both children and adults who may have internet gaming disorder.

We accept many forms of insurance. Evening and weekend appointments are also available, but you will not be put on a waitlist. Our hope is that clients receive the treatment they need—when they need it.

We are ready to get started. Contact Thriveworks Littleton today.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Littleton therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at Littleton
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Thriveworks Littleton reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Fantastic practice with great therapist! The office is warm, inviting, and comfortable. I have worked with Jay, off and on, for a few years now. I have received great guidance and a wealth of tools to help navigate life. Would certainly recommend this practice!
Read more Fantastic practice with great therapist! The office is warm, inviting, and comfortable. I have worked with Jay, off and on, for a few years now. I have received great guidance and a wealth of tools to help navigate life. Would certainly recommend this practice!
Littleton Oct 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great place!!
Littleton Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Thanks for all the great books to check out.
Littleton Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Great place & a very calm environment.
Littleton Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Found this office and Stacey in my Cigna network and couldn’t be more impressed!!
Littleton Jul 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Very friendly and calming! I was very nervous but she made me feel right at home!
Littleton Jun 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★
My therapist is great. The office staff rubbed me the wrong way, but I don’t have to communicate with t hwm as much so it’s ok.
Read more My therapist is great. The office staff rubbed me the wrong way, but I don’t have to communicate with t hwm as much so it’s ok.
Littleton Jun 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Professional, caring, and supportive. Very pleased with my experience here.
Littleton Jun 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Littleton is located off of W Cross Dr., near Southwest Plaza We are near other major health centers including Centura Health, and we share a building with Integrated Physical Therapy of Colorado.

Phone number

(720) 358-7560

Languages spoken by CO providers

  • English
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in MT

Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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